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Trip to SuperCat

On Thursday 22nd of September 10 HCC students were privileged to be invited to the “College Day” of SC-Group Global. They are an engineering company based in Dunkeswell and are a world leader in designing, fabricating and supporting high-mobility vehicles. They also provide innovative engineering design solutions.

The ‘College Day’ gave our students a chance to hear presentations on a range of topics. The students were encouraged to think about the challenges in designing vehicles for military operations. They considered the adjustments needed for a range of different operational deployments. They then heard about the engineering solutions required when the innovation group had to design a new launcher for the RNLI and help to develop the wave energy prototype called bolt. They also saw the complexity required in designing suspension components and the advantages of 3d printing for prototyping.

There was a presentation concerning global engineering issues related to climate change and how carbon emissions can be reduced using renewable energy solutions. The story of Malawian teenager William Kamkwamba was used as the bases of a practical challenge. William learnt how to build wind turbine’s by reading books in his local library and then hand built a turbine which now power his home and others in his village. Our students were challenged to build a model turbine as a team. They built some blades as a team and attached them to a cotton real barring. There was additional challenge because each team had a different range of resources depending on the country they represented. Honiton UK came joint 1st with a very efficient design. Well done.

The highlight of the day was being given a chance to have a ride in the advanced off road vehicles the company produces. Their test track provided an exhilarating ride through the woods at high speed. Students said the big dip section felt like being on a roller coaster.. Only faster.

The students had a great day and all felt encourage to consider a rewarding career in arrange of engineering disciplines. They would like to thank SG-Group and their staff who made the day such a memorable one.